What happens when two networks join forces? We believe something positive for sure. It is with this mind-set that ARFIE and EAMHID decided to join forces and start working together. Pushed by common interests and the presence of common members, the two associations have decided to strengthen their collaboration starting from the headquarters and secretariat.
The European Association for Mental Health in Intellectual Disability was established to raise awareness and improve knowledge and skills among those working to support people with intellectual disabilities across Europe. Although professional mental health expertise is important in assessment, diagnosis and treatment, the broader context of mental wellbeing, the social determinants of health and the day to day support to improve the quality of life of people with intellectual disabilities and their families, involved a wide range of people from many different professional backgrounds.
ARFIE was set up as a European NGO to improve the support, the social inclusion and the availability of services to people with disabilities, and today is a wide European network of social service providers and professionals that promotes EU projects and research with the aim of fostering innovative and inclusive approaches in the field of service provision for people with disabilities.
It is particularly pleasing and promising therefore that EAMHID and ARFIE have committed to work together and combine their considerable networks and experience across Europe and elsewhere. This collaboration will greatly enhance the objectives of both Associations, increase their respective networks and reach,??and allow for joint engagement in activities and projects to research and promote understanding and advances in support and intervention for disability, mental health and wellbeing.
Stay tuned to discover more on this promising partnership